Deputies seek gunman who shot at car

A fight in West Augustine Thursday morning ended with a young St. Augustine man admitted to Flagler Hospital, his car shot full of holes and the assailant sought by deputies.

Detective Bill Werle of St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said the incident began about 10:30 a.m. Thursday when two men living in a house on the 900 block of Josiah Street got into a fight.

"The fight started inside," Werle said. "Allegedly, the victim was hit in the face with a gun and a crowbar. The fight continued outside when the victim attempted to escape."

The victim told deputies he ducked behind his car while the other man shot at him "multiple" times, Werle said.

"The victim then hopped in the car and took off," he said.

Deputies have requested an arrest warrant for the shooter, who they identified as Sherod Vashaun Baxter, 20.

Baxter, described as being 5 foot, 6 inches tall and 170 pounds, will face aggravated assault and aggravated battery charges when he is found.

Geneva Smith, who lives nearby, said she was home on vacation when she heard "four or five" gunshots.

"I thought, 'What in the world is going on?' and peeked out the back door," Smith said. "I didn't see anything."

Detectives waited outside Baxter's home until a woman who lived there took control of a large dog. Crime scene technicians took measurements, and searched for shell casings while deputies questioned potential witnesses.

Neighbors said deputies are frequently called to that structure. A woman who lives in that house declined to speak to reporters.

Bonnie White, Smith's niece, lives across the street and said she heard the shots.

"I walked to the front door, but didn't see anybody either," White said. "But I could tell it came from close by."

Smith said she hopes deputies find the shooter.

"The next time, it might cost somebody's life," she said. "It's not the guns. It's the people who have them."

Werle said the victim was admitted to Flagler Hospital with a broken jaw.